The latest US-led strike in Venezuela and the capture of its president have sparked apprehension regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the events in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Messages and Official Backlash
Only hours following the initiation of the Caracas operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House aide, posted a symbolic image. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This overt suggestion to annex the resource-abundant land, which is a part of the NATO alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Denmark's officials.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should continue to cooperate as such. American security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "Our nation and the United States collaborate to guarantee security in the North."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had significantly increased its defence spending recently, earmarking a large sum expressly for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect full recognition for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the previous naming of a Southern governor as a special envoy to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a unpaid role to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative praised the administration's decisive move, connecting it to the wider "fight against narcotics."
Since returning to office, the US president has consistently alarmed European allies with his stated desire in Greenland. The territory is considered critically important for national security and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Leaving the Door Open to Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the leader declined to exclude the use of military force to gain control of Greenland. This position comes amid growing global rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Friction and Local Opposition
In response to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland issued a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced sentiment. While a vast majority of the island's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also little to no appetite to join the United States. The island has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst specializing in military analysis admitted she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
